Identifying methods to slow disease progression in patients with HIV-1 infection remains a top priority in many regions of the world. In many countries, medications known to slow progression are not readily affordable or available. Many of the individuals living in these countries are also co-infected with a variety of other diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria and soil-transmitted helminths. There are data to suggest that infection with these agents may activate the immune system in HIV-1 co-infected individuals and may lead to more rapid HIV disease progression. This study will evaluate the potential impact of treating helminths in HIV-1 seropositive individuals. Markers of disease progression and immune activation will be assessed. We will also measure the amount of virus in genital secretions to determine if treatment of co-infection can reduce the infectiousness of HIV in these individuals.

Participants must not be or have been on highly active antiretroviral therapy.

Participants must have a CD4 count greater than 250 cells/mm3.

Participants must be at least 18 years of age.

Participants must be able and willing to participate and give written informed consent.

Participants must be able and willing to return for the scheduled follow-up visits.

In addition, in order to be included in the treatment phase of the study, patients must have at least one stool specimen positive for a soil transmitted helminth.

Exclusion Criteria:

Participants who have received treatment for helminth infection in the past 6 months (by self report or chart review).

Participants must not be pregnant at the time of treatment (by urine HCG testing).

Participants who present with other serious co-morbidities such as severe anaemia, malaria or tuberculosis.

Contacts and Locations

Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study.
To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the Contacts provided below.
For general information, see Learn About Clinical Studies.

Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00130910